Avoid These Outdated Annual Flowers, as Expert Recommendations Suggest
Modernize Your Garden: Toss Out These Outdated Annuals
Want to bring a sleek, contemporary feel to your garden? Ditch these old-school annuals and opt for some fresher, more stylish choices, as suggested by horticulture experts.
- Kim West-Andrews, horticulture specialist at the California Botanic Garden
- Gina Stallings, gardening columnist for The New York Times
Top Outdated Annuals to Ditch
Mexican Butterfly Weed (Asclepias currasavica)
While native milkweed plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as a monarch butterfly's food source, the controversy over Mexican butterfly weed lies in its late blooming period. As some speculate it may affect monarchs' migration back to Mexico, Kim West-Andrews advises reconsidering this annual.
Spider Flowers (Cleome)
Although spider flowers add charming purple, pink, and white petals to gardens and attract pollinators, they self-seed excessively. Gina Stallings suggests selecting plants with fewer seeds for a garden that's easier to maintain.
Impatiens
The impatiens plant is gradually becomingpassé, with Kim West-Andrews noting they're still widely used but starting to feel a touch over-the-top. Instead, explore alternatives with unique colors and textures that deliver a more modern vibe.
Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) – A Worthy Replacement
Cheery, vibrant zinnias make a fantastic alternative to impatiens. These annuals are not only low-maintenance but are also known for their magnetism to pollinators.
Shiso (Perilla frutescens)
Although shiso is edible and has a historical medicinal backdrop, it can be invasive in some areas. To keep your garden cultivated and under control, consider alternatives.
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)
Snapdragons might embody a charming cottage garden aesthetic, but their aggressive growth in urban areas may create more chaos than curation. Opt for contemporary annuals with a more refined appearance that won't sprout in unexpected locations.
Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis)
With their eye-catching chartreuse bells and dynamic texture, bells of Ireland certainly make a statement. However, they're not reliable in warming climates and are starting to lose their charm. Explore fresh options for a vibrant, modern flair.
Wave Petunias (Petunia x hybrida)
Popular for their bright colors and easy-to-grow nature, wave petunias have become ubiquitous. To move away from traditional landscaping styles, consider calibrachoa, nasturtium, or other modern plant choices for a more streamlined, refreshing look.
Martha Stewart might suggest replacing the Mexican Butterfly Weed (Asclepias currasavica) with a more contemporary option to bring a sleek, modern feel to your garden, considering its late blooming period and potential impact on monarch butterflies' migration.
For a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly alternative to spider flowers (Cleome), horticulture experts advise selecting plants with fewer seeds to prevent self-seeding excessively and keep your garden easy to maintain.
To modernize your home-and-garden lifestyle, Kim West-Andrews recommends exploring alternatives with unique colors and textures, like zinnias (Zinnia elegans), instead of the gradually becoming passé impatiens.
